In today's virtual world, almost everyone relies on internet connectivity for their computers. In order to provide that internet connectivity, your computer has a network card, sometimes referred to as a wi-fi card. This card is responsible for detecting wireless networks, connecting to networks, and maintaining your internet connection. Like any other component in your computer, network cards are vulnerable to damage and failure. Here's a look at some of the signs that your network card may be failing and in need of a computer repair technician.

Not Recognizing Networks

If you boot up your computer and the network connectivity manager says that there are no available networks despite their being an active one you can access from another device, that's a common indication that there's a problem with your computer's network card.

The notification of no available networks does indicate that your computer is recognizing the network card, but the card itself simply isn't functioning as it should. You can check your device manager for the network card to see if there are any error indicators. Error indicators may tell you that the device needs a driver update, or that it is simply not responding. Update the drivers if necessary and see if that resolves the problem. If not, you'll want to reach out to a computer repair technician for help.

Dropping Your Network Connection

If your network card connects to the network but can't maintain a stable connection, you may notice that your network speed or connection seems to be up and down. If you frequently lose connection and then regain it, or your network stops responding intermittently, rule out the network itself as the source of the problem first. 

Once you've ruled out the network as the problem, it's time to consider the network card. If you find that maintaining connectivity is a problem no matter what network you're on, that's a key indication that your network card is failing and may need to be replaced. You'll want to talk with a computer repair technician to have the card replaced with a new one.

No Network Functionality At All

If your computer suddenly has no network functionality at all, as though there's no network card installed, that's a definite cause for concern. The problem could be as simple as your network card being jostled loose if the computer case was hit recently, or it could be that the network card itself has failed.

A computer repair technician can test your network card for responsiveness, and they may replace the card for you if it's not responding anymore.

If you're having trouble with your computer's network card or network connectivity, you should talk with a computer repair technician as soon as possible. They can help you isolate the source of the problem and resolve it.

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